Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Psalm 16 and Psalm 23

Today you are invited to memorise Psalm 23:5
“⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.”

First take the time to memorise it … and then meditate on it in light of Psalm 16:5 and 11
“⁵ Lord, You alone are my portion and my cup;
    You make my lot secure…
¹¹ You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence …”

Read together, these are two great poetic declarations of trust in God our Shepherd. Even when life is filled with storms from which I need to take refuge (Ps. 16:1), and even “in the presence of my enemies” (Ps. 23:5), God my Shepherd secures my present and my future.

In the midst of the storm and with the battle still raging, God anoints us with His strength and secures us by His presence and power at work in us and around us. Even when all seems dark and dangerous, our cup of blessing overflows and we are filled with joy … because God Himself is our blessing. God Himself is our Cup and our Portion of blessing! And God is with us! So we say with confident trust and hope …

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me … AND …
You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.

AMEN!